Grand Park via Lake Eleanor — Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

I was torn between Lake Ingalls & Grand Park, it's so easy when Rainier is so close. Considering how many people were at the TH to Ingalls I think I made a good choice on staying local. I arrived early enough to catch the sunrise from FS RD 73, I drove past the TH 5 mins and found an amazing view point to watch it rise. It looked like a fire ball backlit the trees, it was spectacular! It was cold 35 this morning! I layered up and hit the trail by 7:45, no other cars here. I made quick time to lake eleanor which was glassy and beautiful as always. Then up I went to Grand Park. When I hit the open area and the first little park I noticed the sun rays coming thru the trees just right to make an excellent pic. Everything was frosty and frozen this morning. The mountain was beautiful and changed about every 30 mins, clouds changed, wind, light, it was seriously a feast for my eyes! It doesn't matter how many times I come here, I'm in awe! I'm taking my headshot pics and I see something black out of the corner of my eye bouncing. It's a black and silver white tipped fox! I got a few pics but nothing fantastic. So exciting! Then later I spotted a coyote who was so interested in me. Followed me for 1/2 mile good distance 100 feet or so along the tree line, I would stop so would they. I wasn't sure if they wanted to eat me or come home and be my new pet. I got some good photos and moved on down the trail. I saw a hawk and nutcracker bird and lots of others today. Everyone is getting ready for winter. I only saw 5 people coming up as I was headed out.